Bethell called up to England Test tour of New Zealand

Jacob Bethell has been called up to the England Test squad to tour New Zealand later this year to cap a remarkable 2024 for the Warwickshire all-rounder.

It’s the first time Bethell – who’s just turned 21 – has been selected for Brendon McCullum’s Test side which starts the first of three Tests on 27 November in Christchurch.

It follows his first taste of the senior England side during September’s white ball series against Australia when he made a statement start to his international career, smashing 44 off 24 balls in the second IT20.

Bethell – currently in the West Indies ahead of a white ball series that starts on Thursday (31 Oct) – joins fellow Bear Chris Woakes in the 16-player squad.

He is the only change from the Test squad which returned recently from Pakistan.

Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen, who made more than 100 appearances for New Zealand, said Bethell has shown he’s “a star on the rise”.

“I’m thrilled for Beth,” said Larsen. “As he’s shown this year, he’s a star on the rise, and he looked completely at home in his recent white ball debut series against Australia.

“He will, I’m sure, play a huge role for England across the formats in the future. No doubt he’s been fast-tracked, but his sheer talent, maturity and grounded personality will I’m sure see him shine if he receives a playing opportunity.”

Bethell, along with Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox, will join the Test team at the end of the five game IT20 series in the Caribbean which concludes on 17 November.

The Test series starts on 27 November in Christchurch, followed by games in Wellington (5-9 Dec) and Hamilton (13-17 Dec).

England squad for Test series against New Zealand

Ben Stokes (captain)
Rehan Ahmed
Gus Atkinson
Shoaib Bashir
Jacob Bethell
Harry Brook
Bryson Carse
Jordan Cox
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Jack Leach
Ollie Pope
Matthew Potts
Joe Root
Olly Stone
Chris Woakes